A dream come true: Make-A-Wish sends Jamie Myers to NYC

Pine View students, teachers and community members gathered together Jan. 29 to celebrate twelfth-grader Jamie Myers, who had his wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Myers, who has been battling cancer for several months, was granted his wish to meet one of his personal favorite singers. Myers and his family will travel to New York City to meet the singer, who is currently on tour.

Around 9:50 a.m., Jamie Myers was surprised by Make-A-Wish Foundation representatives, who were waiting by the drop-off loop with students, teachers and his family. According to Regional Director Rebecca Blitz, the Make-A-Wish Foundation “grants wishes for children between the ages of 2 and a half to 18 who have life-threatening diseases.” Myers was taken to the area with his physics class, taught by Roger Siegel.

After he was told that his wish was granted, Myers, his family and a few close friends were driven away in a limousine to Ruby Tuesday’s for lunch.

Myers’ mother, father, grandmother, aunt, sister and wife, Lauren Plant, all attended the ceremony. Myers’ mother, Heather Myers, said, “I don’t think words can express what I’m feeling right now. I’m so thankful and overjoyed for everything Pine View has done and for everything Make-A-Wish has done. It’s just been amazing through such a treacherous time.”

Myers and Plant were married, on Dec. 30 at a small ceremony in New Jersey, where Plant currently lives. In the summer, Plant will move to Florida.

Principal Dr. Stephen Covert was also in attendance and helped to organize the reveal. According to Covert, Guidance Counselor Lynn Halcomb came up with the idea of hosting the reveal at Pine View. “We really came together for Jamie,” Covert said. “It’s just a special way for Pine View to show him that we love him.”

Several band students played music during the ceremony, and art students displayed signs they painted in class. Before leaving in the limousine, Myers’ family released a bundle of blue balloons into the air.

“He comes to school everyday. He could easily give up and say, ‘I’m not doing this,’ but he loves being here and being part of a team,” Covert said. “This is a really special day.”

Plant said, “Jamie has shown me so many things; he’s changed me a lot. He’s shown me that even though things get rough, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and there’s always something to be happy for. He’s the most positive person I’ve ever met.”

“It’s a testament to the community that’s been fostered here, as far as coming together in times of need for such a special person as Jamie,” English teacher Charles Rienhoff said. “He just gives, gives, gives, and it’s nice to be able to give something to him.”